Monsoon is here and so are a wide range of diseases and viruses. Viral fever, throat infection, cold, cough, and flu spell frequent visits to the doctor's clinic during this time of the year. Hence, it becomes important to maintain immunity during monsoon and amplify the body's natural defences to keep illnesses at bay.
“Due to the drastic climate change from heat to sudden chills, the body takes time to adjust to the climate, weakening the immune system during that period. This increases the chances of getting diseases and the body becomes prone to all air-borne or water-borne diseases. In summers, the heat helps the micro-organisms to reproduce and multiply in numbers, and the monsoon helps them to be transmitted,” says Dr Ravi Shankarji Kesari, MD-internal Medicine, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Bangalore.
Building immunity
One must work on preventive measures to escape the wave of illness during monsoon. A naturally immune individual is often less prone to be affected by the diseases and has quick recovery chances. “Eating right is one way to build natural immunity. Eat plant-based food rich in nutrients, Vitamins C and D, Zinc, Iron, and protein supplements like Broccoli and Garlic. Also include olive oil, Avocados in the diet, and control artificial sugar intake. Eat fermented food rich in probiotics, which aids the immune system, and add yoghurt in the daily diet and always be hydrated,” says Dr Sanjay Latchamsetty, Senior Consultant Physician, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Hyderabad.
Immunity building is an ongoing process. Exercise and a physically active lifestyle also boost the immune system naturally, says Maruthi N, Assistant General Manager, SWITCH Wellness. He added a few tips to build the immune system through exercise. “Regular exercise assists the body in building immunity and strength. Squats, push-ups, pull-ups, deadlifts and lunges, etc., are recommended for a fit individual. It is recommended to work out three to five days per week (depending on the individual's condition), including 45-60 min strength training. For people who can't do strength training, walking or jogging is a nice physical activity to build stamina. Daily brisk walking for 30-45 mins decreases the pathogen attack risk in an Individual,” he explains.
Child care
Children are more vulnerable than adults. They catch infections and germs while they are playing outdoors. “Children are prone to get ill more as their immune system is not developed fully to fight the germ and virus attacks at earlier stages. This is specifically true for newborns, the immunity passed on during birth doesn't last long and decreases in the first few months. Hence vaccination and a good healthy diet play an important role in maintaining and producing an adequate immune response to any infection,” says Dr Suchitra, Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Apollo Cradle & Children's Hospital Koramangala, Bangalore.
Most viral infections, once established, can be accompanied by secondary bacterial infection. Hence it is prudent to be aware of the state of immunity of the individual to protect oneself from such scenarios. Building immunity provides a protective shield against all the disease-causing germs and microbes and provides strength to fight them.
